Dentaltown March 2021 - 45

I engaged the sleep specialist on my team
and we ruled out stress. Then we invited
the child's pediatrician to collaborate. We
discovered he had a vitamin deficiency; the
boy was grinding because his teeth were
struggling to grow.
In fact, as the pandemic has deepened,
pediatric dentists across the country are
reporting an increase in stress-related behaviors such as grinding and thumb-sucking.
Even the youngest children sense tension
in the adults around them.
Older children's routines are disturbed.
They can't see their friends and may be
worried Mom, Dad or their grandparents
will die. The family's entire health care
team needs to be watchful for the signs
and symptoms of stress, depression and
other conditions.
Despite the pandemic, regular dental
appointments are vital to uncovering problems as well as monitoring the development of
fast-growing mouths. During this time, I've
been a lot more lenient and do everything I
can to be flexible and make our families feel
safe. From video and telehealth appointments
to bringing snacks and coloring books to
families waiting in cars to a 15-point safety
protocol, we've taken pandemic precautions
to the max.

Caring for the big kids
Working with older children, tweens,
teens and young adults means finding ways
to share the same messages about brushing,
flossing and nutrition in a manner that
resonates so we can help them begin to take
care of themselves. I've discovered that a
follow-up text or even a daily call to young
people who refuse to brush can encourage
them to adopt good habits. So far, parents
have been happy to give permission.
My go-to tactic is to find out what
interests or worries them and use that
information to influence the decisions they

DT0321_Anamelechi_Pediatric_MM.indd 45

make about their health. It is incredibly
humbling when they trust me enough to
open up. I've had memorable conversations
with my teen patients about everything from
exam worries to a gender transition to how
difficult it is to try out for cheerleading.
I have a library of photos and brochures
to show young people the oral consequences
of recreational drugs, smoking and vaping.
Whenever I get the chance, I use all my
persuasive powers to dissuade them from
getting tongue and lip piercings.
By the time these young people age out
of pediatric care and into the hands of my
general dental colleagues, I'd like to believe
that they've learned the habits and skills they
need to take care of themselves.

Final thoughts
I think the most important thing we
can all do as dentists is to be mindful of
how we communicate and reinforce advice
for good health with our patients and their
families. Building relationships, developing
trust and finding ways to influence and
motivate is the secret sauce needed to help
children grow up to enjoy the best health
possible.
I love my work and the opportunities I
have to shape health policy, teach pediatric
dentistry and influence my own families in
practice one tooth at a time. I've built a great
team around me. I feel genuinely honored
to be part of a national and international
" parent squad, " and I am optimistic that
I am influencing a generation of families
that know the mouth-body connection. ■

References
1. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Oral Health Policies
& Recommendations (The Reference Manual of Pediatric
Dentistry) Policy on Dietary Recommendations for Infants,
Children and Adolescents. 2020-2021/P. 84-86
2. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Policy on Management of the Frenulum in Pediatric Dental Patients. The
Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. Chicago: American
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2020:74-8

2/18/21 4:56 PM

Dentaltown March 2021

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